Brother: [Why are you wearing so little again? Don't you know it's cold?]
Just as she expected, it was about that. The truth was, she wasn't cold.
Most of her clothes were from high-end couture shows—no brand, no logo, all about understated luxury, made from top-tier fabrics.
The reason her brother was so concerned was because when she was a child living under someone else's roof, she often ran barefoot on the cold floor and deliberately dressed lightly to get his attention. She wanted him to bend down, wrap her in his arms, and say in exasperation, "The floor is cold, Xiaoxi. Don't you know that?"
Maybe that was the only way she could feel truly cared for and cherished.
That warm, broad chest belonged to her alone.
Now that she thought about it, it was all seeds sown in childhood.
...
TvToee: [(>_<)]
Brother: [?]
She cautiously asked: [Brother, why are you here?]
[Work-related.]
[Who were you chatting with just now?]
[A friend...]
[Come with me after class.]
Cheng Buxi: "..." Alarm bells rang.
She had just escaped his sight and didn't want to be alone with him again. Last night nearly spiraled out of control. The unspoken confession from three years ago on New Year's Eve—they both pretended it never happened. 900 days, and she still couldn't remain calm. It shouldn't be this way.
Remembering that the drama club had an event that afternoon and as a veteran she had to greet the newcomers, she steeled herself and said she couldn't make it today.
He didn't reply for a long time.
Just as she resigned herself, he replied: [Fine.]
The boulder in her heart finally dropped.
-
Lu Tingzhou left midway through the class.
Judging by the leaders' expressions, the building donation was as good as done.
Besides that, anyone with eyes could see Professor Shen was in an exceptionally good mood today. His eyes sparkled throughout, and he talked more than usual. Whether he had seen something amusing or not, it was a stark contrast to his usual demeanor.
After all, trading a building for the right to audit a class—he was definitely getting the better deal.
...
After class.
Flowing with the crowd out of the lecture hall.
Cheng Buxi kept her cap brim pulled down low, afraid of being noticed.
"Why does Professor Shen come to teach at our school for that measly salary?" someone sighed.
"Not so fast, sis. As a university professor, his daily review fees alone are in the thousands. Even if he just showed up and did nothing, it'd be worth it."
"Besides, does he look like he's short on cash?"
A few girls in the line chattered.
"Exactly. Look at what he wears every day. Money is not an issue."
Someone couldn't stand it and rolled their eyes hard. "Please, his surname is Shen."
It was like a killing blow. No matter what they said before, these three words were far more direct and powerful.
Yes, his surname was Shen.
An ancestor of the Shen family once had a nickname: Shen Half-City.
Meaning half the city was his property. That's how impressive the Shen family was. Though they had declined over time, their foundation remained solid.
"And that Mr. Lu—it's not an exaggeration to call him otherworldly. I heard his company is hiring financial staff now. Maybe..."
"Where did you hear that?"
"With our lousy skills, let's just save ourselves the trouble."
"Oh, did you notice? The building heating was on just now. That's never happened before! First time! Following a big shot really lets us little guys ride the coattails to heaven."
"No kidding."
"Hope he comes more often."
Cheng Buxi, on the other hand, hoped he would never come again.
-
The Bentley downstairs was already gone. Cheng Buxi's heart settled a little. She looked up and saw someone standing not far away, as if waiting for her.
Wan Yi.